Is there something in the air? From dust buildup to allergy symptoms, lingering odors, and reduced airflow, these may be clues that your HVAC air filter is due for a replacement.
HVAC air filters serve as the first line of defense in a healthy home. They capture and trap airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. Regularly changing your air filters helps ensure that clean, filtered air circulates throughout your home. Regular filter changes also promote efficiency by preventing buildup that can strain your heating and AC systems.
The air we breathe directly affects our well-being. This makes it important to change your HVAC air filters regularly. It might sound like a small task, but ignoring this simple chore can impact your health and the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. Here are four reasons why you should regularly change your HVAC air filters:
- Improve Your HVAC Efficiency: Dirty air filters put a strain on HVAC systems, making them work harder than necessary. Clogged filters restrict overall airflow. This means your system works harder, resulting in higher energy consumption and inflated utility bills. By staying on top of your filter changes, you’ll maintain better home airflow, lower energy costs, and a longer lifespan for your HVAC systems. It’s a win-win situation!
- Breathe Easy, Stay Healthy: Indoor air pollution can aggravate breathing problems for those suffering from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. A dirty filter in your central air system allows those contaminants to linger. This increases the risk of respiratory problems and can make existing conditions worse. Clean filters help capture and trap these pollutants, keeping your air cleaner and healthier.
- Improved Comfort: Ever feel like one room is too hot or another too cold? Clogged air filters can be the culprit. They can disrupt airflow, resulting in uneven heating or cooling throughout the home. Regular filter changes guarantee consistent and balanced airflow, creating a pleasant living space for all.
- It’s Easy! Don’t worry, changing most air filters is easy. Just remove the dirty filter and replace is with a clean one. There’s no need to call in a professional. Plus, new filters are wallet-friendly when compared to the potential energy savings and health benefits they provide.
How often should you replace your filters? That can depend on your specific situation. Factors such as the type of filter, where its located, your home’s overall air quality, the pets you have, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. As a general guideline, you should change each filter every 1 to 3 months.
Which filter would you rather breathe through?
The types of air filters in your home
When it comes to changing HVAC filters, it’s important to know which ones you can handle yourself and which ones might require the help of an HVAC specialist. The key factors that determine this are your specific heating or cooling system and the location of the filter. Here’s a breakdown of the two main categories:
- Self-Changeable Filters: Fiberglass filters and pleated filters usually fall into this category. These types are designed to be homeowner-friendly and can be easily changed without professional assistance. You’ll often find them in a filter slot near the air handler or furnace. They are designed to be very easy to swap out.
- HVAC Specialized Filters: On the other hand, some HVAC systems use specialized filters or have trickier filter placements that may need the expertise of an HVAC specialist. For instance, if you have a HEPA filter or custom-sized filters, it’s best to seek professional assistance for their installation. These filters may have specific requirements or unique installation procedures that an HVAC technician can handle with precision.
What is HEPA? HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. This type of air filter is highly effective at trapping tiny particles, including allergens, dust, pollen, mold spores, and even bacteria. HEPA filters are rated based on their efficiency in capturing particles of specific sizes, with the most common rating being HEPA H13 or H14. These filters provide top-tier filtration and superior indoor air quality.
To ensure you make the right choice, consult your HVAC system’s user manual or reach out to a professional for guidance. They can help you determine the suitable filter type for your system and whether it’s a task you can handle independently or if it requires the skills of a specialist. Remember, the goal is to have clean air flowing through your home while ensuring your HVAC unit operates smoothly.
So, mark your calendars for the dates to switch out your air filters! With cleaner air and improved system performance, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable and inviting living space while minimizing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of your cooling and heating systems.
Don’t forget about your air ducts! What gets past your filters can end up contaminating your ductwork. Go Green Express Home Services is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)-certified air duct installation and cleaning contractor. We serve Newburgh, NY and the surrounding area.